John Andrew Daura

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John Andrew Daura on Sunday, June 7, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. He died at his home in Andover, NJ, with his beloved wife of 60 years, Kathleen, by his side.

Born on February 2, 1942, in Paterson, NJ, John was the eldest child of Andrew and Emily (Barbaris) Daura. His brother Kenneth was born two years later. Known as “Johnny” to his family, he was immensely proud of his Italian heritage and spoke often of the family gatherings and special traditions of his childhood. He was grateful to grow up surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. John was a gifted athlete and spent countless hours on the nearby baseball fields and basketball courts. He attended St. John’s High School in Paterson, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Carroll. John graduated from Seton Hall University in 1964. Two years later, on April 17, 1966, John and Kathleen were united in marriage.

Early in his work career, despite no formal training, John was an industrial engineer for Singer-Kearfott. His impressive intelligence and exceptional problem-solving skills enabled him to excel in this role, and many others. John spent 18 years as the Director of Facilities for Randolph Township Schools. Prior to his retirement, he served in the same role at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child in Summit, NJ. John was a loyal and generous mentor to those who worked for him, always willing to treat a staff member to lunch or to assist in their career advancement. John was a diligent and dedicated worker, thoroughly committed to whatever project he was managing. Yet, his career was never more important to him than his family.

John thoroughly immersed himself in fatherhood. He was a fixture in the bleachers at his son’s football games, and his daughter relied on seeing him standing along the right field line for nearly every softball game. He attended track meets, coached baseball, and dominated games of HORSE with his perfect jump shot. A natural teacher, John was as patient and proficient in teaching his children to parallel park as he was in explaining a passage from Hamlet. He did all of the essential tasks of parenting, as well as thousands of smaller gestures: Treating them to an early breakfast at the diner before a practice, filling their gas tanks, driving them back and forth to college, sending them cards with cash tucked inside, playing catch, discussing their summer reading books, and warming up their cars on a cold morning. John gave his children opportunity, endless amounts of joy, and steadfast support. His children never doubted his love or his belief in them.

John was a devoted and loving husband. He met Kathleen in high school and they began dating after graduation. In April of this year, they celebrated 60 years of marriage, surrounded by their children and their families. They were best friends. In the last few weeks of his life, John was still complimenting his wife to their children. He adored her and made sure others knew it. It is fitting that in his final moments, he and Kathleen shared a kiss.

They raised their children in Lake Hopatcong, NJ, where they formed a community of close neighborhood friends. Their home was filled with warmth and laughter, the site of large meals and parties and a welcoming place to their children’s friends. John loved spending summers at the Jersey Shore: biking along the bay, taking his children and then his grandchildren to the beach and the boardwalk, and hosting barbecues and bocce games in his backyard in Lavallette. In 2009, they moved to Andover, NJ. John loved his home in Andover and the natural beauty of its surroundings. He spent hours watching the hawks soar overhead and listening to the birds from his front porch rocking chair with his wife by his side. John was happiest surrounded by his family, whether it was Christmas, Sunday dinner, or a birthday party. Known as Papa and Pop Pop, he was adored by his six grandchildren.

John was a man of character: fiercely loyal, exceedingly generous, and consistently reliable. He greatly admired Abraham Lincoln, and possessed the same unwavering integrity as his hero. John loved to laugh and his sense of humor was marked by a quick wit. He was a voracious reader with a passion for the written word. John would have been a distinguished and beloved member of any English department, had he chosen that path. He could distill the most complex passages, whether it was Dante, Shakespeare, or Tolstoy, and make them accessible to any reader. He loved a good discussion, a good meal, and a good time. A lifetime fan of the New York Yankees and Green Bay Packers, John would also have been thrilled to watch his Knicks end their 53 year championship drought.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Emily, and his brother Kenneth. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, whom he adored. John was the proud and loving father of three children: Damon Daura of Sparta, NJ and his wife, Davina; Sharon Daura of Boston, MA and her partner, Kerith; and Janelle Papaleo of Sparta, NJ and her partner, David. John cherished moments with his six beautiful grandchildren: Julianna, Jayden, Giovanni, Kai, Milena, and Michela. He was a loving uncle to John Daura and Dawn Daura.

John’s wish was to be remembered during a small gathering of immediate family. Those wishing to honor his life with a donation, may do so with a contribution to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey (CFBNJ) by clicking the link below. CFBNJ is the largest anti-hunger and anti-poverty organization in the state of New Jersey, distributing food to more than 800 community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and senior and child feeding programs.